Robert Murray McCheyne 1813-1843
August 28th, 2007 by Todd Johnson
The ministry of Robert Murray McCheyne in his native Scotland lasted a mere seven-and-a-half years. He died at age twenty-nine. Pretty hard to believe we would even know about a man whose life was so brief, but the reason we do is because his life was exceptional. Here are a few observations from his biographers.
His brief ministry of seven-and-a-half years ‘stamped an indelible impress on Scotland,’ and though he died in his twenty-ninth year, more was wrought by him that will last for eternity than most accomplish in a lifetime. If we could summon but one life from the past, the lessons of which would apply most directly to this slothful and careless generation, perhaps it would be the life of Robert McCheyne. After his death, a fellow minister wrote, “Indolence and levity and unfaithfulness are sins that beset me; and his living presence was a rebuke to all these, for I never knew one so instant in season and out of season, so impressed with the invisible realities, and so faithful in reproving sin and witnessing for Christ.”
McCheyne was known for his emphasis on personal holiness. Writing to a fellow minister, he said, “Above all things, cultivate your own spirit. Your own soul is your first and greatest care. Seek advance of personal holiness. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God. A word spoken by you when your conscience is clear, and your heart full of God’s Spirit, is worth ten thousand words spoken in unbelief and sin.”
“It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus.”
McCheyne was also ever concerned to deepen his ministry by continual study. “Few,” says Andrew Bonar (his biographer), have maintained such an “undecaying esteem for the advantages of study”. Though always conscious that souls were perishing every day, he never fell into the error of thinking that a minister’s main work consists of outward activity. “The great fault I find with this generation is that they cry that ministers should be more in public; they think that it is an easy thing to interpret the Word of God, and to preach. But a minister’s duty is not so much public as private.”
In his last year at St. Peter’s (the church he ministered in) we find him preaching with terrible clearness on the eternal punishment of the unconverted. He ever dreaded the reproach a dying woman addressed to John Newton – “You often spoke to me of Christ; but oh you did not tell me enough about my danger.” “Brethren,” McCheyne warned fellow ministers, our people “will not thank us in eternity for speaking smooth things, and crying Peace, peace, when there is no peace. No, they may praise us now, but they will curse our flattery in eternity.”
Robert Murray McCheyne died on Saturday, March 25th, 1843, seven years after his ministry began. “Live for eternity. A few days more and our journey is done.” The truth, he had so often preached was accomplished. His desire was fulfilled – “Oh to be like Jesus, and with Him to all eternity!”
6 Responses to “Robert Murray McCheyne 1813-1843”
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About Todd
Name: Todd Johnson
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Contact: todd@crossroadslive.com
About: Todd is the husband of Sharon, the father of Morgan, Caleb, Makenzie & Claire, and a pastor at Crossroads Church. He considers each of these roles the greatest of privileges.
Verse of the Week
“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God”
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Reading:
“The Reason for God” by Tim Keller
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“The Supremacy of God in Preaching” by John Piper
“Above All Earthly Pow’rs” by David F. Wells
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September 3rd, 2007 at 5:55 am
It never ceases to amaze me of the short lives that some godly men and women lead. (Peter Marshall, Oswald Chambers…) Seems that they are selfless in their devotion to Jesus and His beloved. They finish the mission and go. Perhaps they acheive the unsullied life we get a glimpse of when we press toward the upward call.
September 13th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Todd,
i still remember reading r.m. mccheynne (even though i can’t spell his blasted his name i still respect him) for the first time when i was about 17 years old. i was so impressed by one story i remember of his life. it was said of him that he spent so much time seeking the Lord for his grace and presence prior to preaching that even his walking to the pulpit was powerful enough to convict sinners of their need for Christ.
bryan
September 13th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Hey Brian - missed you at the conference. It was a good one.
I remember the story you referenced. I can’t even imagine it. It must have something to do with another statement he made on one occassion… He said, “my personal holiness is my people’s greatest need.” Any servant of the gospel that makes his own soul his first priority is going to have something to say when he stands up.
October 15th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I am sure of very few things, but this, there is a direct correlation to one’s actions and the time one spends in relationship with Christ. It is the work of the world/satan to provide an obstacle to such a relationship. The Truth “clicked” with McCheyne, it is my prayer that it will “click” for me. Thank you for the thoughts and comments.
*click= absolute acceptance of the truth in one’s heart of hearts
October 15th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
I’ll have to check Robert out. Thanks!
I knew a person like this once.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
“The Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne” is one of the best books I have ever purchased. If I was a missionary and could only take three books with me it would certainly be one of them. His heart and faith, and love for and knowledge of Christ was GENUINE. I believe he lived a great and full life in Christ because his consecration to Christ was GREAT. In his “Memoir and Remains…” it is clear that he was a man of discipline, worship, and holiness. His testimony and heart has been very influencial for me.